BMW is gearing up to launch a new iteration of the R18 Classic. Now design patents reveal the BMW R18 Touring model’s design and styling and give us a glimpse of what to expect in the near future. The BMW R18 Touring is based on the R18 Classic which means the R18 Touring will share underpinnings with the Classic including the engine, frame and suspension but the new iteration comes with a lot of changes focused on long-distance highway touring.
Design Changes
According to the patent images, the BMW R18 Touring will come with a large batwing-style fairing on the front that houses the classic rounded headlamp and features a tall visor that together protects the rider from weather elements. The fuel tank is also larger in width than the R18 Classic offering more volume which translates to a longer range. The touring model also receives large fenders to keep the dirt from flying on the motorcycle and rider as well as thicker seat padding to allow more comfort on long rides.
Features
The BMW R18 Touring model is also likely to receive hard panniers as part of the pack which will allow a lot of storage space for long rides. But design patents do not show a pillion backrest which could be an add-on. The batwing fairing also appears to integrate a pair of speakers flanking the sides and the dashboard appears to have four-pot instruments as well as a large infotainment system which is likely to have touchscreen features along with in-built navigation and the latest generation smartphone connectivity features. The motorcycle could also come with radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control, forward collision alert and avoidance by braking etc similar to that of the dynamic touring motorcycle the BMW R1250RT.
Powertrain
Powering the BMW R18 Classic is the 1802cc Air/Oil Cooled twin-cylinder horizontally opposed ‘Big Boxer’ engine that produces 91 hp of power and 150 Nm of torque. The engine comes with a 6-speed gearbox along with features such as three standard riding modes – Rain, Rock and Roll along with ASC (Automatic Stability Control), drag torque control (MSR), Hill Start Control function and Electronic Cruise Control as standard. The same engine and electronics package is likely to be available on the R18 Touring.
